MPP E - long settling time after switch-over from coil to pinpointer probe, long recovery time ...

[waltr]

Waltr, you saved the bacon! I have put in a 100k resistor. I am happy as a lark and my detector is now packed and ready to go.

Your reasoning makes sense to me and appears to be a distinct possibility.

Come to think of it, if I recall correctly the MPP E when I originally built it was quite funky reaction-wise.
After cleaning the board (IPA, ammonia, water) I believe it appeared sort of sluggish.
I thought it would need more time to dry properly. Got sidetracked and didn't think about it anymore.

Anyway, I'll be intensively using the MPP E the next 5 weeks and hope to have some interesting insights to write-up
other than whining about this-that or the weather ...

Thank you again waltr.

At least it is now working in a way tou like.
Looking forward to a report on its operation and finds when you return.
Cheers
A

[Polymer]

I really enjoyed my 5 week field trip. I learnt quite a bit about myself, the MPP and PI hunting. Found some nice things too.

I got "skunked" (can I use this expression in this context?) once by a huge thunderstorm and went into hiding - between boulders, not wanting to face any trees.
I sure was a soggy doggy after this "hunt". I only got to dig one target - a button, before this storm appeared over the mountain tops quicker than I could look.

I realised I was more fearful of exploding-tree shrapnel than afraid of being struck by lightning.

Has anyone ever witnessed the aftermath of a tree exploded by lightning strike shortly therafter?
I have. That memory popped up again. A big beautiful 60+ foot fir tree converted into mini darts, arrows, spears and javelins - stuck in other trees, houses, cars and luckily not in people. That mayhem is certainly a sight to behold plus the intense smell of fresh wood and chlorophyll.

I found a nice mens ring 4.05g 585 white gold with yellow gold insert. A lot of Euro coins too. Some old lead seals 1800's.
And drumroll ... a lot of iron especially 1,2,5 Euro cents. They should be banned. Only 2 pulltabs ... amazing ... lotsa beer bottle tops.

The switching over from coil to pinpointer and back worked fine.
One thing I am definitely changing is the cable to the pinpointer. I coiled or made a spiral cable out of it thinking that would be good.
That certainly didn't work for me! It loves getting tangled with everything, even itself, arrrgh ... so straight cable now.

I am very glad I did externalise the frequency pot. Thought the MPP was broken at first after the long transport, but it was interference as it turned out.
Twiddle the knob .... silence ... then tick-tick-tick of the threshold ... ahhh, sigh of relief ... could go detecting ... yippee!

getting tired now ... may be continued, nite-nite

[waltr]

Great report and some nice finds.
Good to hear that the frequency adjust was able to null the interference. My HH2 has the adjustment but it is an internal trim pot. Might be good to mount external pot.

Sounds like your MMP is working very well.

Oh yes, I was on my front porch once and lightning struck a tree just across the street. Even with the deafening boom I heard pieces of the tree hit my house. Really, really scary.